Do I need firebricks?

[Hoose]

I keep noticing lots of people talking about having firebricks in their stoves? My stove was new and never came with any so I don't use them, are some stoves meant to have them and some not?

[bottle]

If it came without them it probably does not need them but check with the manufacturer.

[Keeping Up]

What do you burn on your stove? Ours says you need them for coal but not for wood

[Giggetty]

I haven't got them and my tiny stove (4kW) isn't big enough to take them without unduly obtruding on the space for coal. However, it gets red hot very easily and when cleaning out I do notice, from time to time, some rust scales in the ash.

 

This is curious as when fired there is, of course, a reducing atmosphere internally. So oxidation and delamination shouldn't occur.

 

I try not to let overheating occur and so far (three winters) so good.

Edited November 20, 2013 by Giggetty

[Hoose]

Thanks for the replies, won't bother getting any then. Sorted

[Bobbybass]

Depends on internal size. My Morrso Squiggel had space for some.

When they needed replacing..I bought cheapies from Wilkinsons...

I also added an extra layer..left and right..to reduce the burning area...but that's personal choice...

Used a bit of fire cement to stop them falling over...

[Kae]

Depends on internal size. My Morrso Squiggel had space for some.

 

I also added an extra layer..left and right..to reduce the burning area...but that's personal choice...

 

 

That's the same as ours.

 

We have the squirrel, with the usual firebrick side pieces, and then an actual "brick" shaped fire brick either side also. Reduces the internal volume and keeps the coal over the grate.

[jonathanA]

If you are burning coal or coke and regulalry run your stove hot then it depends whether you think its cheaper to replace fire bricks or the stove...

 

I've seen a number of expensive wood burning stoves without fire bricks ruined by being overfired with coal/coke so that they crack and/or distort.

[madcat]

Try some Wilko cheapies if you plan to burn coal, I would just because I'm a curious old cat ( plenty of lives left still)

[Jigsawged]

I agree with JonathanA, fire bricks can be useful in reducing the stresses that might otherwise occur in the cast metal. The added benefit is that you tend to use a lot less coal and still get the benefit of a hearty fire. In our Squirrel, as well as firebricks, we also use cast iron "Cheeks" which further reduces the size of the firebox with more reduction on coal used whilst still enjoying all the heat we need. I would add that I like it hot and it certainly does that for me!